Glenn Jacobs, aka "Kane," running for Knox Co., TN Mayor

Glenn Jacobs, the towering insurance man also known as "Kane" the professional wrestler, is moving another step closer to running for Knox County mayor.

Jacobs, who runs Jacobs Insurance Associates in Halls, has filed paperwork with the Knox County Election Commission appointing a political treasurer, Brian Carl. He identifies himself as a Republican.

He told our sister affiliate WBIR in Knoxville last year he was seriously considering running for county mayor.

Appointing a political treasurer is yet another step toward formally running, he said Thursday. His paperwork is dated March 1.

"Knox County is a great place and we're so happy and feel so blessed to live here," Jacobs said of he and his wife Crystal. "I want to do my part going forward." t's a great time to live in the county, he said, and a great time to live in the South, which is flourishing.

"One of the things we're going to have to figure out in Knox County is how to take advantage of that," he said.

If he were to run and win, Jacobs said he'd focus on attracting jobs and businesses to the area.

The election isn't until May 1, 2018, and candidates must file a nominating petition, which is due in November for the county election cycle.

The Jacobses have lived in East Tennessee since 1995, and moved to Knoxville several years ago. He said they enjoy living in the region.

Jacobs wrestles under the Kane moniker.

Billed as the 7-foot, 300-pound "Big Red Machine," the sometimes masked villain (and sometimes fan favorite), has spent almost 25 years fighting in the squared circle of professional wrestling, mostly under the World Wrestling Entertainment umbrella

He's also acted in the horror films "See No Evil" and its sequel.

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett is term-limited.

Along with Jacobs, Knox County Commissioner Bob Thomas has appointed a treasurer and made it clear he plans to run for mayor. Democrat Tracy Clough named a treasurer in June for the mayor's race.